Aperta Turkish Open Archive
Not a member yet
83692 research outputs found
Sort by
A Distance-Based Approach to Fuzzy Cognitive Maps Using Pythagorean Fuzzy Sets
<p>Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCMs) have been attracting researchers from a wide application area due to being easy to apply and interpret. Since its proposal, the method has been improved to satisfy the diverse needs of practitioners such as solving different types of problems and representing particular types of uncertainty. The classical FCMs depend highly on the decision-maker judgments and the uncertainty inherent in the judgments deserves significant attention. Although there are several fuzzy extensions integrated into FCMs, the uncertainty caused by the lack of knowledge, the hesitancy of decision makers, and also the limited capacity of humans to deal with pre-defined rules should be considered. To address this issue, a new distance-based approach integrating Pythagorean Fuzzy Sets and FCMs is proposed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time this extension is integrated into FCMs. Besides allowing to represent the uncertainty until the end of the calculations, the new approach offers decision makers an easier and more flexible way to assess the strength of existing causal relationships. To provide a comparison between the proposed approach and the classical FCMs, two real-life applications are selected as case studies.</p>
Tunable Magnetism in 2D Organic-Ion-Intercalated MnPS<sub>3</sub> via Molecule-Dependent Vacancy Generation
<p>The magnetic properties of van der Waals materials are profoundly influenced by structural defects. The layered antiferromagnet MnPS3 offers a unique opportunity to explore defect-related magnetism, as Mn2+ vacancies can be generated by the intercalation of specific guest molecules. However, the effectiveness of this process in atomically thin flakes and the extent of the magnetic tunability remain unclear. Here, it is shown that the magnetic properties of MnPS3 can be tailored through the intercalation of different guest molecules. Notably, the insertion of four alkylammonium ions introduces different populations of Mn2+ vacancies, leading to a transition from the pristine antiferromagnetic state to more complex magnetic textures, including a ferrimagnetic state displaying a magnetic saturation of 1 mu B per atom. Moreover, it is shown that the intercalation of few-nm-thick flakes also leads to the emergence of a ferrimagnetic response. This in-flake intercalation, which can be monitored in real time using optical microscopy, can be interrupted before completion, generating lateral heterostructures between pristine and intercalated areas. This approach opens the way to the use of partial intercalation to define regions with distinct magnetic properties within a single flake.</p>
Random alloy growth of AlAs<sub>0.08</sub>Sb<sub>0.92</sub> on GaSb under high Group-V flux condition
<p>The growth of AlAs(x)Sb(1-x )epilayers with x<0.1 is crucial for various optoelectronic device applications. However, achieving the desired alloy composition and lattice-matched condition remains challenging. In this study, the epitaxial growth of the random alloy AlAsSb on GaSb was investigated using molecular beam epitaxy. The objective was to determine the optimal growth condition to obtain AlAs0.08Sb0.92 on GaSb (lattice-matched to GaSb) with a high growth rate and under a high group-V/III beam equivalent pressure (BEP) ratio. The growth parameters, including the group-V/III BEP ratio, growth rate, and temperature, were studied to monitor the change in the structural properties of the AlAsSb epilayer. It was shown that the As incorporation in AlAsSb was higher than expected at high growth rate and under high Sb BEP condition. The results demonstrated that increasing the growth temperature while decreasing the As BEP did not significantly improve the crystal quality where the optimization of group-V/III BEP ratio and As BEP is effective to obtain AlAs0.08Sb0.92 on GaSb and enhance the crystal quality. The findings provide valuable insights into the growth dynamics of AlAsSb to achieve high quality and lattice-matched epilayers grown on GaSb which is well-suited for a range of optoelectronic applications.</p>
Revolt, Morality and Society in Nurettin Topcu
<p>Nurettin Topçu, while being one of the most important philosophers of Turkish thought, can also be described as an ideal teacher and moralist. It is known that he developed a philosophical style, particularly influenced by the Philosophy of Action, and attempted to ground and idealize this style, especially in the field of ethics. Topçu outlines the general conception of this morality, which he describes as the “ Ethics of Revolt,” stating that it should begin with the individual, then extend to the family, society, and finally to the Creator, whom he refers to as the Absolute Being . According to him, the ethics of revolt is not an anarchist act against order or the system, as its name suggests, but rather a sensible action that humanity must undertake to escape its gloomy situation. The primary target of this action is humanity itself. Topçu argues that an ideal society cannot be formed without an ideal human being morally. According to him, an ideal, orderly, and harmonious society is one that must exist within the ethics of revolt. In this study, we will attempt to highlight the importance of the ethics of revolt for society.</p>
<p><strong>Highlights</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>To revisit Nurettin Topçu's ideas in the History of Turkish Thought.</li>
<li>To clarify the concept of rebellion.</li>
<li>To highlight the relationship between the concept of movement and morality.</li>
<li>To reveal some of the philosophical views that Nurettin Topçu criticized.</li>
<li>To emphasize the importance of the relationship between rebellion and society.</li>
</ul>
Effect of Cold Plasma and Microwave Pretreatments Combined with Hot-Air Drying on Physical Properties, Chemical Composition, and Volatile Profile of Pomegranate Peels
<p>The use of non-thermal drying techniques for preserving fruits and vegetables has gained popularity due to their ability to enhance dried products' quality, reduce drying time and energy consumption, and increase efficiency. In this study, the effects of cold plasma (CP) and microwave (MW) pretreatments combined with hot air drying (HAD) on the chemical composition (amino acid, sugar, organic acid, mineral, and volatile) and physicochemical properties of dried pomegranate peels were investigated. For this purpose, dry samples were compared with fresh ones. The results showed that CP pretreatment is the best technique for preserving the chemical, physical, and nutritional quality of pomegranate peels. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that CP pretreatment significantly changed the surface morphology of pomegranate peels, leading to faster drying rates. This study also found no significant changes in color parameters in CP-HAD peels. Consequently, this study showed that cold plasma is a promising, environmentally friendly, and innovative technology that provides a great advantage in preserving food quality.</p>
Application of biological and green nanomaterials in wastewater treatment: techniques for effective removal of dyes, heavy metals and organics
<p><strong>Background/aim:</strong> Wastewater from industrial, agricultural and residential sources causes serious environmental and public health problems due to the dyes, heavy metals and organic pollutants they contain. Conventional treatment methods may not be sufficient to completely remove these pollutants. Therefore, the development of sustainable, environmentally friendly and highly efficient treatment techniques has gained importance. The aim of this review is to evaluate the use of biological and green nanomaterials in wastewater treatment and compare their effectiveness in terms of different types of pollutants (dyes, heavy metals, organics).</p>
<p><strong>Materials and methods:</strong> In this study, detailed information is given on the removal of various pollutants from wastewater with green and biological nanomaterials, especially in the light of articles published in recent years in the literature. In the review, the structure, synthesis methods and application areas of especially biopolymers, metal, metal oxide, carbon-based, polymer-structured nanomaterials synthesized with plant extracts and microorganism-supported systems are examined. In addition, how these nanomaterials are integrated with mechanisms such as adsorption, photocatalysis, bioseparation and membrane filtration are discussed.</p>
<p><strong>Results:</strong> Green and biological nanomaterials show high performance in the removal of various pollutants due to their low toxicity, high surface area and functional groups. Synthesis of these nanomaterials with biological agents both reduces environmental impact and increases the purification capacity of the material. However, more research and innovation are needed in terms of scale-up, long-term stability, reusability and cost-effectiveness.</p>
<p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Biological and green nanomaterials offer promising alternatives for sustainable wastewater treatment. The aim of this review is to summarize the current status of such materials and provide direction for future research. Multidisciplinary approaches and increased pilot-scale studies are needed to accelerate the transition to industrial applications.</p>
U-Pb Calcite Geochronology, EPR, Geochemistry, and C-O-Sr Isotopes of ancient marbles in the İznik Region (Bursa - Türkiye)
<p>The İznik city (ancient Nicaea), located east of Lake İznik (known as "Bithynia" in ancient times), has been an important political and cultural centre of Asia Minor since the Hellenistic period. Marbles produced in the quarries in the vicinity (Ömerli and İnikli villages, Deliktaş - Sarıtaş hills) were used both in the construction of the walls and in many ancient works in the city. Approximately eighteen ancient marble quarries producing grey and white marbles were investigated in the region. Petrography, EPR, XRD, C-O-Sr isotope and whole rock geochemistry analyses were performed for characterization of the samples collected from the quarries for the provenance studies. According to the new geochemistry and C-O-Sr isotope data, the limestones forming the marbles were deposited in open sea - ocean environments. U-Pb calcite dating determined that the white marbles were 93.06 ± 8.55 Ma, while the grey marbles were 94.84 ± 1.41 Ma and 88.03 ± 2.13 Ma (Upper Cretaceous: Cenomanian-Coniacian). These ages probably correspond to the crystallization/metamorphism ages of the marbles. The new data set obtained with this study will contribute to the understanding of the geological evolution of the region, and will help researchers to better understand the source region of some white and grey marbles used in ancient buildings.</p>
Technology-enhanced learning practices in studio pedagogy: A scoping review
<p>Technology has catalysed significant changes in modes of learning and instruction methodologies, encompassing various practices such as distance, online, and blended delivery of instruction. Design education, rooted in traditional studio models that rely on continual interaction and reflection over student projects, has faced challenges in embracing these approaches seen in other disciplines. While online and blended learning methods present transformative possibilities for instructors, the distinctive characteristics of design education pose barriers to their seamless adoption. This scoping review delves into the landscape of scholarly research concerning technology-enhanced practices in design studio pedagogy, examining trends, gaps, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on studio research and practice. Conducting an extensive review and content analysis of 156 articles spanning various design domains, including architecture, urban design, interior design, industrial design, and visual communication design, this study meticulously documents the practices, and research approaches employed. It also outlines prevalent research themes regarding how technology can augment the learner experience in undergraduate design studios. Following a brief summary of the literature on technology-enhanced approaches in design education, we introduce the review methodology and analysis. Subsequently, we present findings regarding trends and topics in technology-enhanced studio practices. Finally, we offer discussions and recommendations for research and practice to enrich the teaching and learning experience in the design studio context.</p>
Climate Change Health Impact Awareness Scale: Validity and Reliability Study of the Adult Form
<p><strong>Background:</strong> Climate change is a global public health issue that poses serious risks to human health. The aim of this study was to develop a valid and reliable scale to assess adults' awareness levels regarding the health effects of climate change.</p>
<p><strong>Method: </strong>The research was conducted using a methodological design. The study group consisted of 336 adults aged 18 years and older. The scale development process consisted of four stages: (1) comprehensive literature review, (2) expert consultation, (3) pilot testing, and (4) psychometric evaluation. Content validity was calculated using the Davis technique based on evaluations obtained from 11 experts. The pilot study was conducted with 30 participants and tested the linguistic clarity and structural adequacy of the items. Data were collected from volunteer participants using a self-report questionnaire method. The validity of the scale was assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses; its reliability was assessed using item–total correlations, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and test–retest analyses.</p>
<p><strong>Results:</strong> Exploratory factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure. However, confirmatory factor analysis detected high correlation (r = 1.00) between two sub-dimensions and model misfit, prompting the testing of an alternative two-factor model. The revised model contained a total of 16 items. The items were grouped into two sub-dimensions: Awareness of Health Risks Related to Climate Change (Cronbach's α = 0.87) and Awareness of Disease Risks Related to Climate Change (Cronbach's α = 0.91). The overall internal consistency coefficient of the scale was found to be high (Cronbach’s α = 0.913). The total explained variance was 53.68%. The model fit indices are acceptable (RMSEA = 0.076, CFI = 0.97, GFI = 0.90, SRMR = 0.057). Item–total correlations range from 0.42 to 0.65, with all items above acceptable limits. Test–retest reliability was found to be ICC = 0.72 (95% CI: 0.49–0.86) for a single measurement and ICC = 0.84 (95% CI: 0.66–0.92) for the average measurement. Other psychometric findings also supported the reliability of the scale.</p>
<p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The Climate Change Health Impact Awareness Scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool.</p>
<p> </p>
From Material to Field Test: An Improved Under Sleeper Pad Model
<p>This study aims to determine the stiffness values of under sleeper pad (USP) and rail pad (RP) components to reduce the high-amplitude vibrations that occur in the transition zones of some specific structures such as viaducts in ballasted railways. The conventional method of simulating USPs and RPs as spring-dashpot elements in the Kelvin-Voigt model is inadequate due to the absence of frequency and temperature dependencies in the model. The study proposes a new analytical model that considers USPs and RPs as viscoelastic (VE) materials and integrates them into the ballasted railway superstructure model by adding unit masses avoiding mathematical singularity. The process includes material testing, field measurements, and validation of the proposed model with finite element model analysis. The effect of ambient temperature and material modelling on the superstructure's dynamic response in the frequency domain is analysed in detail. To account for VE behaviours of the resilient elements, the generalised Maxwell model (GMM) is chosen via unit mass implementation compared to other VE models. The obtained results show that the dynamic response of the railway superstructure is 8-10 times sensitive to temperature variation. This demonstrates how important it is to include the temperature-dependent dynamics of the elastomer material in the model. According to the other results that were obtained, the use of USP in transition zones does not solve the vibration problem radically. Bridge dynamic responses are also sensitive to the mass of the bridge rather than its stiffness.</p>